Serious Injuries Reported After Modesto Hit and Run
Local authorities reported serious injuries after a hit and run accident in the Modesto area on the morning of Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The incident occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. on McHenry Avenue at Fairmont Avenue. A female pedestrian was reportedly crossing McHenry Avenue when she was hit by a newer-model dark-colored sedan. The driver of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene after the pedestrian accident. A passerby reported the hit and run to the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD). First responders were called to the scene to transport the woman to a local hospital for treatment. She is expected to survive her injuries. Investigators said they will be seeking surveillance video footage of the crash to identify the suspect vehicle and its driver.
Hit and Run Accidents in California
California law requires any driver in a motor vehicle collision to stop and exchange information with the other motorist, pedestrian or cyclist involved. However, not all drivers choose to do so and often leave the accident scene. While a driver responsible for a hit and run accident may face criminal charges if they are found, such penalties offer little comfort to a pedestrian for the injuries and losses they have suffered. Fortunately, California’s personal injury laws provide those injured in accidents caused by negligence with the means to seek financial recovery of their injuries and losses incurred.
Recourse After a Serious Hit and Run in Modesto
Options for recovery are not limited following a hit and run accident. In California, car insurance policies may provide recourse through uninsured motorist coverage (UM). However, people are often reluctant to file a personal injury claim with their insurer, but a hit and run pedestrian accident is an example of why it is essential to carry UM coverage. This type of insurance may come into play if a hit and run driver is not found or is later located but does not have bodily injury liability coverage to pay for damages. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) may also be used when the at-fault party has insufficient coverage to pay for injuries and resulting losses. Med-pay coverage is also good to have as it can help pay for medical treatment and expenses as they incur. Any of these coverages are extremely beneficial to have in such situations. For information on the uninsured motorist claims process, watch the video below.
What Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
When a person has been injured after a hit and run pedestrian accident in California, they may recover damages from the at-fault party, if they are found, or their own insurance company. Under California law, a lawsuit must be brought within the two-year statute of limitations if a claim is not settled with the insurer by that time limit. Injured parties may seek two types of compensation: economic damages and non-economic damages. These include medical treatment and expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be sought from the hit and run driver for their egregious behavior such as DUI or excessive speeding. The value of each injury case varies upon specific factors and the type and amount of insurance coverage available. The best way to determine what you are entitled to in your case is to call a personal injury lawyer in Modesto.
How a Modesto Injury Lawyer Can Help You After a Hit and Run
Any injury resulting from a hit and run accident is inconvenient and unexpected, to say the least. However, the lasting effects of a traumatic injury require justice and fair compensation. At AutoAccident.com, our Modesto injury attorneys can help you hold insurance companies and negligent drivers financially accountable for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We will handle all aspects of your pedestrian accident injury claim, including communications, negotiations, and preparation of evidence for taking your case to trial, if needed.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Drivers and pedestrians both have a legal duty when they are sharing roads with each other in California. If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in a hit and run accident, you need the insight only an experienced injury attorney can provide. Such cases can become challenging, and the at-fault party’s insurance company or your own will dispute any fact of your case to avoid paying the compensation to which you are entitled. When you find yourself in this situation, call me anytime for free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
If you would like to learn more about our personal injury law firm and see our client reviews or list of past case results, go to the following links:
I am proud to be listed as a member of these national legal organizations:
Picture Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/emergency-emergency-services-1137137/
:ds llo [cs 843]